It Takes a Special Kind of Person

A friend died recently on Christmas Day. My first thought was how awful for the family that they will always relate Christmas Day with the day of her death. Then I thought, wait a minute, this is the time when Christians traditionally celebrate the birth of Jesus and, for this devout family, it's a new beginning. Our friend had suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for over 36 years and consequently had needed 15 surgeries to make her life more manageable. In spite of the massive crippling effects of this degenerative disease, she was a winner, not a whiner. She always had time to help the other person as much as she was able to. She was a volunteer for our Arthritis Foundation chapter for almost 25 years and was an active member of our Board of Directors. Her family was extremely important to her and her son is getting married today---his Mom WILL be there in her own quiet way. She was the epitome of what our Arthritis Foundation Chapter is all about---TAKE CONTROL and STAY ACTIVE. She was very positive and never mentioned the incredible pain she must have been in much of the time. At her visitation her husband said to me, "after she died, all I could think was---God, you don't know what you're in for---!" She was a very organized person and I mentioned to her family, "I'll bet she's up in Heaven reorganizing the files!" And they chuckled. It was a joy to be able to know this lady, even for a short time. Jolene was only 55.

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Just a reminder: For those of you living in snow country Yak Trax is a product available online and in many sporting goods stores. It was originally designed for runners who run on ice and snow. It's a heavy rubber cording system that stretches over the toe and heel of your shoe and covers the sole with metal coils, which look like springs. They give you incredible traction for walking in any weather. I keep mine in my truck! They usually run under $20 per pair and are the best present you could buy yourself, or anyone even without arthritis!!!

Please also remember to keep "clicking" on the online "hunger site." By going to this site daily you can "click" to help provide food for the world's hungry---on the same page, you can also click for the following: free mammograms, child healthcare, literacy, protect the rainforests, and aid for abandoned animals. This will take you less than a minute of your time, cost you nothing (except caring), and literally do a world of good!!!!!

May you have a peaceful, healthy and happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!